Lifestyle

The GBC Signature Events committee is tasked each year with throwing two of the most memorable parties of the year for full time students. Rightfully nicknamed “Booth Prom”, the event is one of the few opportunities Booth students have to put on their formal attire without having to sit down for an interview and instead, enjoy an evening with their friends and let loose on the dance floor.

Learning from the parties of years past, Winter Formal this year was again hosted at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), with key improvements including a bigger dance floor, more bartenders, and a lot of opportunities for professional photographers. Previous years have been hosted at The Field Museum, Palmer House, Chicago Illuminating Company, and even Union Station. The team was excited about MSI given the size of the venue and the access to explore the exhibits after hours. For as close as the museum is to the Harper Center, it was the first time many students had to explore the museum! Tasked with the goal of making the event as inclusive as possible, the GBC supported expanded ticket sales and were happy to host over 1,050 students this year - the largest the event has ever been in the past 20 years!

The Tornado of Photo Ops

In contrast to last year’s Enchanted Forest theme, the team was inspired by MSI’s futuristic vibe and decided that the decor for the evening would reflect that. Tables featured multi-colored orbs in glassware and fiber-optic displays. It was clear that students were thrilled by the decor as you saw many of the orbs being tossed about on the dance floor and pocketed on the way out.

Other highlights of the night included students exploring the open exhibits at the museum, taking photographs in the tornado, eating some late-night ice cream at the parlor, and breaking it down on the dance-floor. There was even a special flash-mob performance by the Booth Dance Club. Giving Something Back’s Annual Charity Auction also took place during Winter Formal, and the auction raised over $24,000 for local organizations.

The committee behind the evening

The team is excited to hear feedback (quick plug - fill out the email survey) to make Winter Formal even better next year! For now, the team will put on their sailor caps to prepare for Spring Fling on May 31st, hosted on a boat on Lake Michigan!

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